Incident Overview
The aircraft, which had been delayed at least two days at Youngstown, Ohio, due to maintenance problems, departed at approximately 1725 hours. The pilot was aware that the weather at the destination was below IFR to LIFR minimums. Additionally, the pilot had scheduled a vacation and had expressed hopes of departing on it that evening.
Flight and Collision
The aircraft was observed circling West Point Municipal Airport in and out of low clouds, fog, and/or smoke from a nearby mill. Immediately before the collision with trees located 6.5 miles west of the airport, a witness saw red lights—one on the rear and one close to the front of the aircraft. The aircraft was estimated to be flying at approximately treetop level. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause was identified in two occurrences. Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather during the circling phase (IFR). Contributing factors included weather conditions below approach/landing minimums, inadvertent loss of orientation/disorientation by the pilot in command, self-induced pressure on the pilot in command, low ceiling, fog, and obscuration. Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with an object during the circling phase (IFR). Contributing factors included dark night conditions, trees, and failure to perform a missed approach by the pilot in command.